Caribbean - US Virgin Islands

The U.S. Virgin Islands is a group of islands in the Caribbean that is an insular area of the United States located 40 miles (64 km) east of Puerto Rico. The islands are geographically part of the Virgin Islands archipelago and are located in the Leeward Islands of the Lesser Antilles. The U.S. Virgin Islands consist of the main islands of Saint Croix, Saint John, and Saint Thomas, and many other surrounding minor islands.

Over 160 species of birds make the U.S. Virgin Islands their home for either part or all of the year. The Virgin Islands National Park on the island of St. John attracts Caribbean specialties such as Bridled Quail-Dove, Green-throated Carib, and Caribbean Elaenia.

Situated at the convergence of the Greater and Lesser Antilles, St. John has birds from both regions. Despite its small size (20 square miles), it has many habitats, from moist to dry subtropical forest to mangrove forests to salt ponds. The most productive trails for birding are the Francis Bay, Reef Bay, and Salt Pond Trails. Bridled Quail-Doves may be found foraging in the leaf litter, Smooth-billed Ani feeds in noisy groups in trees, and Bananaquits are everywhere. The beach at Trunk Bay is considered one of the most beautiful in the world and Magnificent Frigatebirds soar overhead.

Bananaquit © Aidan G Kelly